Nigerian Concord Newspaper
The federal lawmaker representing Gwer East/Gwer West Federal Constituency, Arc. Asema Austin Achado has faulted the governor of Benue state, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia over his prolonged prayer sessions during official hours which he said had made governance ineffective in the state.
Speaking in a letter which he personally addressed to the governor, Achado also blamed poor governance in Benue state on the refusal of the governor to always consult with stakeholders and political leaders in the state before taking decisions on critical issues.
In the letter, a copy which was obtained by Nigerian Concord Newspaper, the federal lawmaker however advised the governor to harken to the instructions of the Senate over the illegal local government caretaker committee which he announced some days ago.
The letter reads:
Your Excellency sir, as the Executive Governor of Benue State, you carry a significant responsibility of shaping the future of our state and its people. It is in this spirit that I am reaching out to offer some useful advice and suggestions that I believe will help you in carrying out your duties effectively and in the best interest of the people of Benue State.
First and foremost, it is crucial for you to always consult with relevant stakeholders, including party leadership at all levels, when making decisions that impact the state. Consultation is the cornerstone of effective leadership, and by seeking input from a wide range of voices, you can be sure that your decisions are well-informed and have the support of the people they affect. This will also help in promoting transparency and inclusivity in governance, which are essential ingredients for building trust and cooperation among all stakeholders.
His Excellency is no doubt, aware that delivering on commitments and demonstrating integrity in dealings with political leaders can build the quantum of trust and goodwill that are expected for effective governance. Note also that honesty, fairness, and professionalism are key traits that can positively impact relationships with political leaders. Working collaboratively with political leaders to achieve common goals can help in maintaining support and cooperation and a shared vision for the future of the state, as well as unite political leaders and pave the way for the development of our dear state.
Furthermore, I urge you to be more accessible to the electorate. The ability to engage with the citizens and listen to their concerns is a fundamental aspect of effective governance. Therefore, I encourage you to create opportunities for open dialogue with the people of Benue State, whether through town hall meetings, public fora or other accessible platforms. By being present and attentive to the needs of the people, you can demonstrate your commitment to serving their interests and promoting their well-being.
I have also heard reports regarding your long hours of prayer sessions during the day, which have resulted in delayed or cancelled official engagements. While I understand and appreciate the importance of spiritual devotion, it is equally important to ensure that your duties as governor are carried out effectively and efficiently. I would advise you to consider shifting your well-intended long hours prayer sessions to the night, allowing you to free up your daytime hours for official duties and engagements. This will help in ensuring that your responsibilities as governor are given the attention they deserve, while also honoring your well intended personal beliefs and practices.
Additionally, it has come to my attention that some senior government officials, bishops, and other senior citizens have had to wait for extended periods, sometimes over 10 hours, to see you for scheduled appointments. This kind of prolonged waiting time can disrupt the schedules of these individuals and may convey a negative perception that you lack consideration for their time. I encourage you to review your scheduling practices and make adjustments to ensure that appointments are honored in a timely manner. This will not only demonstrate respect for the time of others but also showcase your commitment to efficient and professional governance.
Lastly, I urge you to reconsider the dissolution of elected local government councils in the state. Listening to voice of reason is a crucial aspect of leadership, and it is important to carefully consider the potential impact of such decisions on the functioning of local governance and the well-being of the communities affected. I encourage you to engage in dialogue with relevant stakeholders, including the elected local government officials and major stakeholders, to gain full understanding of the situation and to explore alternative approaches that may better serve the interests of all involved, especially now that the Nigerian Senate has resolved on the stoppage of federal allocation to local government caretaker committees.
In conclusion sir, I offer these suggestions with the utmost respect for your leadership and in the sincere hope that they will contribute to the advancement of a prosperous and harmonious Benue State. Your commitment to the well-being of the people and the development of the state is commendable, and by implementing these additional suggestions, I believe you can further enhance your effectiveness as a leader with great reckoning.
Thank you for taking the time to consider these recommendations, and I wish you all the best in your continued service to the people of Benue State.
Arc. Dr. Austin Asema Achado